Work and its training has been keeping me so busy that I’ve had minimal time to explore Doha. I finally made the time to visit the Museum of Islamic Art. Emphasis on the word “time”, because I tend to get lost in museums! In January spent nearly 4 hours in London’s British museum, particularly engrossed in the Greek sculpture from the Hellinistic period (fun fact: I’m obsessed with Ancient Greece). At this museum, I was particularly gripped by the ornate Indian jewellery from the 17th and 18th century, and thought it would be interesting to share with you all,. Probably because I wanted to take it out and wear it immediately. Often I’d see something shiny and had to curb myself and pull on my arty-pants again, but you know what vintage does to me. Bear in mind, these were made by hand.

Loved this ornate headband. Tiara-like, I imagine it on the wearer’s head with the one single red ruby resting in the center of the forehead.

Spent a fantastic 47 degree day at Intercontinental Hotel’s private beach and pools today with the girls.I have so much more to blog and it’s just been piling up, but work and its training is keeping me so busy that I’ve been spoiling myself instead during my time off. I don’t get to enjoy these novelties here often!

Wore this the other day for afternoon missions with Malick and Andy. The day before I bought this amaze shirt from H&M, and I had to wear it as soon as I got the opportunity, obviously.Also, I finally got my classic Ray Ban gold-framed aviators! I’ve always wanted a large pair because I don’t have the smallest face. The normal sized ones always looked odd and they never had size 62 anywhere in South Africa. Can’t express my joy at finding them on SmartBuyGlasses, and delivered to my doorstep too!

I’m typing this while I’m on Skype with Aisha, so I have to keep it short.

Almost time for my internet to be installed, grrr! Can’t wait to share with you guys properly!

So much love from this side of the world, hope Ramedaan is going well for my Muslim readers :)

My friends know me so well! A few fashion-ish farewell presents received at the airport :)

Soukh mission – Outfit post coming soon!

Yummehhh lamb and veggies!

View of Doha city from the Promenade

Just a few images I snapped out and about in the city and the soukh!

It’s been a looong time since I’ve last posted! Relocating to a new country takes a lot of time, packing, preparation and stress. Internet takes forever to get set up, and the internet café’s here are closed most of the time during Ramedaan. Blogging was pretty much impossible!

So what can I say about Doha?

I’m going to be a little biased here because I love travelling, and I’ll literally go anywhere just for a change of scenery, people and culture. I’ve tweeted so many times that “there’s nothing quite like a foreign city’s energy pumping through your veins”. I thrive on change. It brings me unexplainable happiness, even if the change isn’t as great as my previous situation, I’d rather switch things up than be bored. This is probably also why I always loved fashion from a really young age; it’s constantly changing, evolving.

As much as I love Cape Town, South Africa, my life there, my family and friends… I needed this. Nobody knows me here and it is refreshing. It’s normal to spend time alone. When humidity and heat of 50 degrees Celsius literally weighs down on you, desert sand gets stuck on your newly-lotioned toes, there is an apparent language barrier and fresh air seems like a figment of my imagination… still… I am smiling. And there’s always Zara, H&M, Bershka and my old favourite, Pull &Bear to numb any nostalgia, should it arise. I’m loving getting to know the city with my new friends/colleagues, and missioning with my old friend from Cape Town, Malick, and soon my cousin/sister who lives here too will be back.

I’m missing Cape Town Fashion Week for the first time in four years, and my blog finally got to the point where I was invited to enjoy many an exclusive perk (my dream/goal) and yet here I sit, in the Middle East, listening to the Athaan coming from about five surrounding Mosques at 3:30am, completely content with not being able to attend. It is the most surprising and fantastic feeling. Ramedaan Mubarak indeed!

For now the endless lit up skyscrapers set against the backdrop of desert and sea will be the “concrete jungle where [my] dreams are made of”. Wish me luck!

A lover of leather, words and travel, Aqeelah uses Fashion Breed as her online canvas. She shares her inspiration, thoughts and creativity. The site has witnessed her growth since its founding early in 2010, and documents the way she has incorporated fashion in her many adventures.